The Pursuit of GodFollowing Hard After GodJuly 28, 2013Please turn in you Bibles to Philippians 3:10Today’s Goal: To challenge each one of us to strengthen our resolve to follow hard after God. (ref. Philippians 3:10)To know (gnosko): beyond understanding a mere concept about Christ; it’s to be as acquainted with Him any true soul mateOur Part Vs God’s PartPrevenient Grace: God acts first"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:447The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. 9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. Romans 8:7-9App: To humbly give thanks to God for His initiative in this relationship “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (ref. Acts 16:31)My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 (ref. 2Corinthians 5:19 GNT)App: We must go hard after God.App: Do you truly know Him?It’s About a Personal RelationshipI want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowshipof sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11Salvation: Where the Pursuit BeginsNow this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3“If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you… …Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." Exodus 33:13a, 18App: There is little we need but God Himself (ref. Matthew 18:3-4)What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?